The formidable Mercedes-Benz S-class is one of the finest sedans available on the automotive market. With growing pressure from EV brands such as Tesla, it is no surprise that a fully electric sedan in the S class family is now here. Built on an entirely new platform, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is entirely new from the pavement up. With a design that fights competitor offerings like the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air, the EQS blends modern technology with classic Mercedes-Benz charm. But will it capture S-class buyers the way it enamors EV enthusiasts?
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Powertrains And Drivetrains
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is available with two distinct powertrain and drivetrain options. The base EQS 450+ offers a single 329 horsepower electric motor that powers the rear wheels only. The motor is also capable of putting down 419-pound feet of torque.
The EQS 580 4Matic offers more powerful dual electric motors that send 516 horsepower and 631-pound feet of torque through all four wheels. Both trim levels feature a standard 107.8 kWh battery with 350 and 340 miles of range, respectively. Battery charge can reach 80% in just 31 minutes using a DC fast charger. The car's battery is the first to receive Mercedes-Benz's new thermal management system that actively cools and heats the battery for an optimal charging experience.
The system's design prevents battery degradation over time and improves charging speed. Mercedes-Benz is also committed to keeping the EQS green through production. The carbon-neutral Hedelfingen plant will go online with entirely renewable energy in 2022. The brand has also sought out ethical suppliers for critical components in the battery cells, which ensure they use modern non-climate-scarring practices in their extraction.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Performance And Handling
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is a substantial car in stature. Despite its immense size and 5,888 pounds of weight, it is quite nimble. In the base, EQS 450+ reaches 60 in a fair 5.5 seconds, while the EQS 4Matic brings this number down to 4 seconds even. Impressive figures for a car of its size, though Mercedes-Benz does not intend for this car to be a sports car in any way.
Supreme comfort is the primary goal for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS. Everything about the EQS design enhances passenger comfort and pleasure. The electric motors feature acoustic foam encasing to ensure that not even a whisper makes it into the cabin of the car.
The EQS also boasts the lowest drag coefficient of any car currently on the market, which substantially cuts down on wind noise. The overall driving experience is surprisingly S class, sure-footed and stable. While the driving experience is that of a traditional large car, the suspension is very soft, and consumers will experience body roll in corners. Most S-Class consumers, however, are looking for a supremely comfortable automobile. It should be a painless transition for those who wish to graduate to an EQS.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Interior, Quality, And Technology
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The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is almost otherworldly. The level of technology and attention to detail inside is something consumers usually only see in concept cars. Headlining the interior is a massive single glass pane that entombs three digital displays. These displays include a 12.3-inch display for the driver, a 17.7-inch infotainment system, and a third 12.3-inch infotainment system for the passenger. The systems can browse the internet, stream different media, as well as handle all of the standard automotive functions.
Both screens can also operate independently, meaning the driver can use navigation and play the radio while the passenger is watching a Netflix series using a Bluetooth headset. Physical buttons in the EQS are few and far between, limited to some basic audio controls and the hazard light button. Adjusting the climate control and various drive settings is through the infotainment.
Beyond the highly configurable driver display, the driver also contends with an augmented reality display that projects onto the windshield. Essentially the system is an HD, color head-up display. The car is capable of level three autonomy however the U.S. government regulates the system to level two autonomy, meaning the system restricts users to interstate highways. However, the EQS can overtake, change lines, maintain speed, and follow navigation completely hands-free while on the freeway. The system monitors the drivers' retinas to make sure they are paying relative attention. The same system uses eye-tracking to display the cars next move through a long digital arrow in the augmented reality projection. Cargo space in the EQS is decent for a sedan of this size, with 22 cubic feet in the trunk and 63 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup is a longstanding member of the ultra-luxury sedan field, with looks and quality as substantial as their pricing. The Mercedes-Benz EQS upholds this long tradition. The base model 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ begins at $103,360, including the destination charge. In contrast, the EQS 580 4Matic starts at $119,900.
Both trim levels are available in sub trims of Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. The exclusive trim adds massaging seats, augmented reality display, and premium interior materials for an additional $3,000. The pinnacle trim adds further luxury conveniences for the rear seat passengers, including full power rear seat relining with ventilat6ion and heating as well as dual intelligent displays. A distinct center console also includes wireless phone charging.
A top trim Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic runs $125,310, while premium paint and wheel options make it just crest $130,000. Buyers receive two years of unlimited fast charging through the Electrify America charging network. The EQS also has a 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year 155,000-mile warranty on the battery and drive units. Overall, the EQS does a superb job in cementing the future of the S-class name and serves as an exciting first step in the electrification of the brand.